Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is a significant risk to all sensitive electronic components. Standard industry and safety protocols mandate the use of ESD precautions, such as an anti-static wrist strap and mat, every time an internal component is handled. This is not limited to specific parts like DIMMs or dependent on the system's power state. Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs), despite being designed for user installation, are still vulnerable to ESD damage, which can cause immediate or latent failure. Therefore, applying ESD precautions is a universal requirement for safe handling.

A. ESD protection is required for all sensitive electronic components, including processors, motherboards, and expansion cards, not just DIMMs.

B. ESD precautions are most critical when the system is powered off and components are being handled directly outside of their protective enclosures.

D. Hot-swappable components are still susceptible to ESD damage when they are being handled before insertion or after removal from the system.

1. Dell Knowledge Base: In the article "What is ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) and How to Prevent It

" Dell states

"It is recommended that you use an antistatic wrist strap when working on any equipment inside your computer." This general guideline confirms that precautions are not limited to specific components.

Source: Dell Knowledge Base

Article Number: 000131122

"General Information and Best Practices

" Section: "How to prevent ESD damage."

2. Dell PowerEdge Service Manual: The safety instructions for Dell servers

which are representative of all Dell systems

mandate ESD protection for any internal work. The manual states

"To guard against electrostatic discharge (ESD)

wear an ESD wrist strap that is connected to a grounded surface." This is listed as a general prerequisite before working inside the system.

Source: Dell PowerEdge R750 Service Manual

"Safety instructions

" Section: "Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection

" Page 11.

3. MIT OpenCourseWare: University-level electronics courses emphasize the universal need for ESD protection. Course materials for introductory electronics labs instruct students that "Static electricity can destroy many of the components you will be using... Always wear a grounded wrist strap when handling components." This establishes the academic best practice.

Source: MIT OpenCourseWare

6.101 Introductory Analog Electronics Laboratory

Spring 2007

"Lab Tools and Parts

" Section: "Static Protection."